Children’s Bookmarks Programme 2009 Launched in TCD
Posted on: 30 January 2009
The annual Bookmarks Programme, aimed at encouraging children to create their own adventure stories and make their own books, was launched by children’s author, Aubrey Flegg, in Trinity College on January 30th. The Bookmarks Programme is a joint project of the Trinity Access Programme (TAP) and The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, and includes of a series of workshops on story writing, illustration and bookbinding designed and presented by The Ark.
This year the programme involves 63 students from three Dublin primary schools, designated as disadvantaged, that are linked to the College through TAP, which offers support to students from under represented backgrounds to progress to higher education. The schools include Scoil Cholmcille National School, Ballybrack, Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Goldenbridge and Marist National School, Crumlin.
During the launch the children enjoyed an interactive session with Aubrey Flegg, were introduced to the staff from TAP and The Ark, and spent some time exploring the Trinity campus including viewing the Book of Kells and the Long Room. As well as delivering a series of creative workshops over the coming months, The Ark artists will visit the three participating schools during February and March to encourage children to use the Book of Kells as inspiration for their own books.
The Bookmarks Programme will culminate with an awards ceremony and an exhibition of the children’s handmade books will be staged in Trinity College’s Long Room in the Old Library between March 24th and 31st next.
